Customer Reviews

Heidi

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This version of Heidi was my absolute favorite movie as a child. I have the VHS version and decided to upgrade to the DVD. I couldn't believe it when I started watching it that the first part of the film is not even included. We don't see how Heidi got to her grandfathers, met Peter or his grandmother. I don't know if it is somehow a mistake on just my movie or if they are all missing the first scenes. The quality of the rest of the film was fine and just as good as I remembered. But, if you want to see the whole film, get the VHS.

Fine acting, wonderful scenery, and a very pleasant approach to the classic tale make this quite an enjoyable film. Though the character of Fraulein Rottenmeir is a far cry from Johanna Spyri's, as is her relationship with Herr Sessemann, this change may be appealing for those who wish to share the film with children, who might be troubled by the original.

My reason for witholding a top rating is that, as a lifelong fan of Johanna Spyri's "Heidi," I noticed that some of the key themes in the original are missing. Heidi's simple faith, and her faith's being strengthened despite the time of dreadful homesickness and mistreatment by the governess in Frankfurt, do not come through clearly. The plot has been revised so that Herr Sessemann is an uncle, Fraulein Rottenmeir a lovely lady, and Klara (in the book, a gentle sort crippled by over protectiveness) a bit of a brat. Heidi remains in Frankfurt because she feels she owes it to Klara, who tends to move her legs when Heidi angers her.

All told, nonetheless, this is a very well acted film with a great deal of charm.

Very enjoyable movie marred by washed out color. The Alps are breathtaking, but you wouldn't know it from this DVD.

So, I give the movie itself 4 stars, and the DVD 1 star.

This is a great story with wonderful characters and fine acting but the quality of the DVD is awful. There are scenes that are out of focus, fuzzy and choppy. Even for the great price, extremely poor quality.

I've never seen the Shirley Temple version of this movie and I have no interest because I know there will be pouting and the character of heidi would never pout. This version shows Heidi to be as strong-willed as her stubbern gradfather even though she has no one to care for her. Furthermore when she goes to live with her cousin Clara, the characters all go through the transition of bringing her into the family -especially well done by the actress of Clara. A number of different plot strings are developed, all of wich come together nicely at the end.

The combination of great performances in every role with great script-writing and the beautiful Alps make this movie a must for every family's shelf.

I have seen all the Heidi film versions and this one is the best overall. Just as in Captains Courageous, the 1930's film with Freddie Bartholomew, Mickey Rooney, and Spencer Tracy captured the essence of the book without strictly following the plotline as written.

So too, this film version gives us the spirit of Heidi, which, although not as bubbly as Shirley Temple, is loving, steadfast, obedient, and cheerful. I think that the slightly more withdrawn part of her personality fits with her unstable upbringing, as she was shuffled from home to home and had no choice but to obey her Aunt Dete. Her withdrawal seems to be natural under those circumstances. The alm uncle (grandfather) is reserved because of past hurts and resentment in his life. A real positive of this movie is that he attempts to resolve this inner conflict. Now that he has a dependent in his life, he sees that his conflicts will be detrimental to her, and so out of love he works to overcome past issues. He becomes a fine role model of a mature adult by the end of the movie.

Clara is delightful (was it easier to find good child actors in the 60's and 70's?), Ms. Rottenmeier is a little too charming (but it works), Sebastian the butler does a fine job, and Clara's father, Mr. Sesseman is also excellent. It is tough to single out a poor actor/actress in this version.

For the record, my copy was VHS so I don't know if the DVD has been cut or if the picture quality suffered.
Skip the 1993 Disney version. It gets a little hocus pocus and does not have the feel of the book. Heidi is petulant and worldly. Peter's grandmother's part is very poorly written. Clara and Peter are also worldly. The book is absolutely charming. What a contrast !!!

See my review for the 2005 version as well. The definitive film has not been made. Masterpiece Theatre or BBC ought to tackle this project !!!!!!!!!

Why I like this version over others: I found this a charming rendition..perhaps too sweet for some , but a refreshing change for a family movie without all the usual modern contentions. Lovely vistas of the Alps, although other modern versions excel more in this. Jennifer Edwards makes a prettier child than some future versionsand Jean Edwards as the governess makes a nice addition also.There is no evil Frau Rottenmeyer and the drama comes from surprise conflicts such as a more irritable Clara. I like the other Shirley Temple version too but felt like the movie was created as a back drop for her rather than the little actress supporting her role for the plot. Even if you have a favorite version, it is fun to have another so different. Enjoy

Anyone who has read the book will look forward to a bright, inquisitive, chatty and charming little girl. I was very disappointed with this portrayal of that character. She didn't talk much, she didn't seem to have much personality at all. As far as following the story line, I understand they always have to make some adjustments for Hollywood, so I won't pass too harsh a judgement there. But when the main character of the story is bland, I just have to whine. Luckily there are other versions. I'll try another.

Short, sweet and simply - This a fabulous family film that will have you laughing and crying at the same time. It is a film filled with old fashion family values spun in a delightful tale and is is absolutely one of our family's favorite films. It is a film for children and adults alike and is clearly a "feel good", must see film !

This was an excellent display of family characteriship that personifies listening and doing. This builds each other's self-esteem and engenders trust between family members.